Hundreds Turn Out To Remark On NM Education Reform

But they say a current rule has been rushed and doesn't account for challenges outside the classroom.

The evaluation program is based on classroom observations, improvements in student test scores and other measures.

The state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers led a protest Wednesday before education officials met in a public hearing. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is among supporters of the new rule.

Efforts to replace the current evaluation system with one based on student test score gains failed in the Legislature.

Education Secretary Hanna Skandera then moved to overhaul the system through administrative rule.

About 30 schools would be part of a pilot program this fall. Skandera plans to implement it statewide the following year.